Duct Work 101: Understanding How Supply and Return Vents Differ

You probably already know that your duct work is responsible for transporting heated or cooled air throughout your home. However, you may still be unfamiliar with the intricacies of your duct work system, including what your supply and return vents are used for.

Supply Vents- Your home’s supply vents are the covers you see in your walls that blow heated or cooled air out of them. This air travels from your HVAC system, through your duct work, and finally out of your supply vents. An easy way to determine which vents in your home are supply vents is to put your hand over them when your heater or AC system is on.

Return Vents- Like your supply vents, the return vents in your home are also covered openings in your walls. The difference is that they are connected to your HVAC system’s return ducts. When your air handler switches on, the air in your home is sucked into these vents and returned back to your heating or cooling system.

Your HVAC system should maintain a balance between the amount of air being blown out your supply vents and the amount of air being sucked into your duct work through your return vents. If your home lacks an adequate number of return or supply vents, the pressure inside your ducts will be thrown off balance, and your home will not be as comfortable as it could be.

If you believe there’s something wrong with your duct work, give us a call. We are always ready and waiting to help!

Contact Us Today!

About Johnson’s Mechanical Inc.

We are a state certified HVAC and refrigeration contractor that serves homes and businesses throughout the Lakeland, Florida area. We are also fully insured and licensed and have been providing professional and quality service to our clients since 1982.